The Hannover Messe 2026 will showcase trending topics from industry and research from April 20 to 24, 2026. Among those participating are the IPH – Institut für Integrierte Produktion Hannover gGmbH, the LZH – Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V., the IKK – Institute of Plastics and Circular Economy at Leibniz University Hannover, the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Hannover, and Niedersachsen ADDITIV.
IPH: Discovering AI and robotics in a playful way
Visitors to the IPH booth will be able to guide a spider robot through an obstacle course using voice commands. The spoken instructions are transcribed by an automatic speech recognition model and then translated into movement commands by a large language model (LLM). This allows the robots to be controlled in real time – with the aim of completing the course as quickly as possible.
With this interactive exhibit, the IPH aims to draw attention to the possible applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and spark a conversation about what AI can do and how companies can use LLMs for their own purposes, for example.
The Spider robot combines modern voice control, AI, and robotics and promotes understanding of the technology in a playful way. Visitors to the trade fair can see and try it out in Hall 11, Booth B56, at the joint booth of the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science. A total of 14 exhibitors from Lower Saxony’s universities and research institutes will be presenting there.
IKK: Plastic recycling of automotive components
Many well-known components in vehicles end up as waste materials at the end of their life cycle, for which no successful recycling strategy has yet been developed: headlights, trunk covers, center consoles, pillar trim, door interior trim, and much more.
This is where the REMOTIVE project comes in, testing and comparing the three main recycling processes: chemical, solvent-based, and mechanical. The automotive components that are recycled are identical in each process, so that statements about their efficiency and effectiveness, environmental impact, and costs can be compared.
The IKK focuses on mechanical recycling methods. These are essentially based on multi-stage cleaning and further process steps for material upgrading in a so-called recycling extruder, followed by further processing of the resulting granulate for injection molding applications. The research team at the Institute for Sustainable Chemistry (INSC) at Leuphana University Lüneburg is looking at sustainable and green approaches for chemical and solvent-based processes.
The IKK is presenting this project with illustrative exhibits at the joint stand in Hall 11, Stand B56.
LZH: Integrated photonics for health, safety, and industry
The Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH), together with the PhoenixD Cluster of Excellence, will be showcasing the concrete solutions that forward-looking photonics research from Lower Saxony is creating for social and economic challenges.
The focus will be on two exhibits at the joint stand of the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science in Hall 11, Booth B56:
- SmartSens – an optical test system that turns any smartphone into a medical analysis device. For low-threshold, mobile diagnostics and modern healthcare.
- Quantum key exchange system – a ready-to-use quantum optical system that paves the way for tap-proof communication and strengthens digital sovereignty.
The LZH will also be presenting its comprehensive range of services at the joint stand of the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Hall 15, Stand A14. The LZH works closely with companies on innovations in the field of laser technology and photonics in a manufacturer-independent and confidential manner.
Niedersachsen ADDITIV: 3D printing for companies
The LZH is also represented with Niedersachsen ADDITIV at the joint “Digitization” booth in Hall 15, Booth A14. The 3D printing experts will show how additive manufacturing makes companies more economical and flexible. The team provides practical, independent, and straightforward support to companies in all matters relating to industrial 3D printing – from the initial idea to concrete implementation. The aim is to highlight potential and identify suitable technologies and materials.
This year, the focus is on high-strength, additively manufactured components that can replace conventionally machined metal components. Clever design and suitable materials can reduce costs, shorten delivery times, and save on tools. Using examples of fiber-reinforced plastics, specialty resins, and intricate metal structures, visitors learn how process-optimized implementation unlocks the full potential of 3D printing.
Niedersachsen ADDITIV is a joint project of the LZH and the IPH. The project has been funded by the Lower Saxony Ministry of Economics, Transport, and Construction since 2017. This means that the services are free of charge for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Lower Saxony.
Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Hannover: AI power in the mobile factory
The Mobile Factory is back at the Hannover Messe – with practical AI along the entire production process. Experience live how the digital twin, flexible manufacturing technologies, and optical AI quality monitoring interact seamlessly: from individual product configuration to automated assembly and laser engraving to AI-supported quality testing.
In addition, the AI trainers from Mittelstand-Digital invite you to exclusive AI consultation hours. Visit the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Hannover in Hall 27, Booth B35, and test digital solutions and AI applications directly on site.
Make your appointment here: https://digitalzentrum-hannover.de/hannover-messe-2026/
The Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Hannover is part of the nationwide Mittelstand-Digital network and supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on their way into the digital future – in a practical, provider-neutral, and cost-free manner thanks to public funding.
Free tickets for Hannover Messe 2026
Would you like to visit IPH, IKK, LZH, Niedersachsen ADDITIV, or the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum at Hannover Messe 2026? You can request free trade visitor tickets at the following link: https://www.hannovermesse.de/de/applikation/registrierung/direkteinstieg-tickets-ausweise?code=eNxnO
